Kyler Murray

Minnesota Vikings
Quarterback #1

Kyler Murray News RotoBaller

Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy to Rotate With First- and Second-Team Offenses

Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy will both receive first-team and second-team repetitions as the competition for the starting job begins in training camp, according to Alec Lewis. Head coach Kevin O'Connell met with every quarterback over the past day and said he has a timeline in place for naming the starter so the team and players have clarity, though he did not reveal a date. Minnesota used a similar rotation during minicamp, and the team has cautioned against drawing conclusions from which quarterback receives more first-team work on a particular day. McCarthy completed 140 of 243 passes for 1,632 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions across 10 starts in 2025 while adding 181 rushing yards and four scores. Murray was limited to five games with Arizona, completing 110 of 161 attempts for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions while rushing for 173 yards and one touchdown. The planned rotation confirms that neither quarterback has secured the job, leaving both with considerable fantasy uncertainty until O'Connell makes his decision.

Jul 28, 2026 11:59 AM EST


Kyler Murray, Jordan Addison Have Been Working Together for Two Months

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray and wide receiver Jordan Addison have been working out together for the last two months in Dallas, Texas, according to Jordan Schultz. Both players also reported to Minnesota early this week to prepare for the start of training camp, and they both have hopes for a big year in 2026. Murray and Addison are motivated to succeed after down years in 2025. The 28-year-old Murray only played in five games due to a foot injury in his final year in Arizona, throwing for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions. The former first overall pick in 2019 out of Oklahoma is competing with J.J. McCarthy for the starting QB gig for the Vikes this year, but given his experience and dual-threat abilities, Murray feels like the favorite entering camp. Murray will see his ADP rise if he's named the starter, but right now, he's an intriguing low-cost, low-end QB2 target with upside. Addison, 24, had a career-low 610 receiving yards and only three TDs in 14 games in 2025, but he wasn't helped by the team's lackluster QB play. He's locked in as the WR2 in Minnesota behind Justin Jefferson, and he, too, could be primed for a bounce-back year if Murray wins the job and elevates the passing attack. Addison is currently ranked as RotoBaller's No. 36 fantasy WR for 2026.

Jul 24, 2026 4:10 PM EST



Quarterback Competition Between J.J. McCarthy and Kyler Murray Will Go "Right Up to the Start" of the Regular Season

The Minnesota Vikings quarterback competition is set to go "right up to the start" of the 2026 regular season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. The Vikings acquired veteran Kyler Murray over the offseason to compete with incumbent signal-caller J.J. McCarthy, who battled both injuries and underperformance in 2025. Murray was limited to just five games in 2025 by a foot injury and has struggled with inconsistency himself in recent seasons. However, he's demonstrated a much higher ceiling than McCarthy to this point in their respective careers and was a productive dual-threat quarterback as recently as 2024, when he threw for 3,851 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 572 yards and five scores. Fantasy managers with an interest in Vikings wide receivers Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and/or Jauan Jennings may be better served if Murray wins the job, as the veteran quarterback likely offers the higher floor. Still, McCarthy is only entering his age-23 season and could be a higher-upside option.

Jul 21, 2026 9:46 AM EST


Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy Dead-Even in QB Competition Heading into Camp?

Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell wouldn't shed much light on where the quarterback competition stands between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy during an appearance on The Dan Patrick Show with training camp quickly approaching later this month, according to NFL.com's Nick Shook. "Kyler has come in and done a great job," O'Connell said. "J.J., I think, has benefited from it; he's had a really good spring. Carson Wentz is this veteran quarterback in the room," O'Connell said. Some believe that Murray is already the favorite to win the starting job, but O'Connell isn't going to admit it before camp even begins. Murray, 28, flamed out with the Arizona Cardinals and is no stranger to injury, but given his experience and dual-threat abilities, he makes sense as the QB1 to begin the 2026 regular season, and he will have clear bounce-back potential in a better offensive situation in Minnesota with a QB whisperer as his new head coach. In fantasy, Murray is the much more intriguing QB2 option with upside because of his rushing ability. RotoBaller has Murray ranked as the QB19, with McCarthy not even listed among the top-34 signal-callers.

Jul 9, 2026 6:02 PM EST


Kyler Murray Set to Rebuild his Reputation in 2026 in Minnesota?

Quarterback Kyler Murray is in a much better situation with his move this offseason from the Arizona Cardinals to the Minnesota Vikings, where the former No. 1 overall pick is expected to win the QB1 job over former first-rounder J.J. McCarthy, according to Nick Shook of NFL.com. The 28-year-old former first overall pick in 2019 out of the University of Oklahoma played in only five games in 2025 in his seventh and final year in the desert due to a foot injury, and he wasn't impressive before the injury, throwing for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions on 161 pass attempts. As long as Murray is healthy, a bounce-back season should be coming under QB guru and head coach Kevin O'Connell with an upgraded pass-catching group that includes receivers Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Jauan Jennings, and tight end T.J. Hockenson. The best part for fantasy managers is that Murray is going to come pretty cheap after his injury-plagued season and due to the fact that he hasn't officially been named Minnesota's QB1 just yet. Target him as a low-end QB2 in upcoming drafts with dual-threat upside and bounce-back potential.

Jul 2, 2026 11:22 AM EST



Is Kyler Murray a Redraft Sleeper Entering 2026?

Entering 2026, Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray is in need of a career reboot. The 28-year-old missed 12 games in 2025 with a foot injury, marking the third time in the last four seasons that he's missed at least six games. Murray's production has also been in gradual decline since his peak years in 2020 and 2021, which led him to sign a massive contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals. As he enters his first year with Minnesota, Murray is currently competing for the QB1 role with incumbent Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy. While McCarthy is a former first-round draft pick, he completed just 57.6% of his passes and threw 12 interceptions across 12 starts for the Vikings in 2025. If Murray can win the starting job, he'll be working with one of the league's better play-callers in Kevin O'Connell and throwing to an elite trio of wide receivers in Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jauan Jennings. Murray also brings dual-threat upside for fantasy managers, as he's just a season removed from rushing for 572 yards and five touchdowns across 17 games for the Cardinals in 2024. Murray's profile obviously carries significant risk, but his current redraft ADP of QB17 may not be accurately capturing his upside.

Jun 22, 2026 8:58 AM EST


Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy Sharing Reps

Minnesota Vikings quarterbacks Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy are splitting up first-team reps to begin camp. Murray is currently the favorite to win the starting job, but the Vikings aren't going to hand him the job. The expectation is that the Vikings are going to give both quarterbacks a fair chance during the preseason. Murray has mentioned that the most difficult part for him so far has been transitioning to a new roster while splitting up the reps. It's not an ideal situation, but the Vikings need to evaluate what they have in both quarterbacks before picking a starter. Murray is a seven-year veteran, so the experience alone will likely be enough to earn him the starting role in Week 1.

Jun 9, 2026 5:46 PM EST


Kyler Murray Offers Clear Dynasty Buy-Low Appeal After Offseason Change of Scenery

Veteran quarterback Kyler Murray's time with the Arizona Cardinals came to an ugly end in 2025, as he struggled across five starts before suffering a foot injury that ultimately ended his season. However, the 28-year-old is healthy and ready to go entering 2026, and he landed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings over the offseason. While Murray is nominally in a quarterback competition with J.J. McCarthy in Minnesota, the widely held expectation is that Murray will assume the team's QB1 role. With the Vikings, Murray will work with a play-caller in Kevin O'Connell who has orchestrated multiple successful quarterback reclamation projects. Murray also has a pair of excellent wide receivers to throw to in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. While Murray's career has taken a turn for the worse in recent seasons, he still carries high-end dual-threat fantasy upside. Across 17 games in 2024, Murray threw for 3,851 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 572 yards and five scores. If he can stay on the field in 2026, he has a golden opportunity to revitalize his career with the Vikings.

May 29, 2026 10:29 AM EST


Kyler Murray a Zero-Risk Dynasty Target?

Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray remains somewhat of an unknown commodity in dynasty leagues following his offseason change of scenery. After being released by the Cardinals, Murray signed a one-year deal with the Vikings to compete with J.J. McCarthy for the starting quarterback role. So far, it has been hard to gain much insight into the quarterback competition. On one hand, McCarthy is the incumbent starter. On the other hand, the Vikings actively went out and signed Murray, so we know that Kevin O'Connell has confidence in starting him if needed. McCarthy is coming off an ugly season in Minnesota, but the same can be said of Murray in Arizona. We may be looking at a lesser of two evils situation here, as both quarterbacks are grasping for the opportunity to start meaningful football games. Murray made five starts before missing the rest of the 2025 season due to injury. The former No. 1 pick finished last year with 962 passing yards, 173 rushing yards, seven total touchdowns, and four total turnovers. He was the QB17 in fantasy football from Week 1-5, so he'd likely rank in a similar range if named the Vikings' starter. Having Justin Jefferson would boost his fantasy value, but more importantly, his output would hinge on his ability to stay mobile and rush for yards. Given that Murray was quite literally cut loose during the middle of a $230.5 contract, it's safe to say that his football outlook is approaching rock bottom. As a result, he can be acquired in dynasty leagues at a very minimal cost. Quarterback-needy dynasty managers should entertain the idea of acquiring Murray. If it doesn't pan out, then you've lost a late-round rookie pick, or the equivalent; no big deal. If it does pan out, you're left with a multi-year fantasy starter, and it only cost you a negligible pick.

Apr 18, 2026 8:03 AM EST


Kyler Murray's Dynasty Value Gets New Life With Move to Minnesota

Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray's (foot) fantasy football value in dynasty/keeper leagues was trending down in recent years and fell to a low point in 2025, when he appeared in just five games due to a sprained foot. The 28-year-old former first overall pick in 2019 out of Oklahoma threw for just 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions while rushing for 173 yards and one touchdown on the ground. Despite injury-riddled seasons in two of the last three years, Murray should enter training camp this summer as the slight favorite to win the starting duties in Minnesota over J.J. McCarthy. If Murray stays healthy and plays up to his abilities (primarily as a rusher for fantasy purposes), he will have the weapons in Minnesota to become a favorite for Comeback Player of the Year in 2026. A fresh start in a new city could be just what the doctor ordered for Murray, a two-time Pro Bowler in 2020 and 2021, especially with a QB guru as head coach in Kevin O'Connell. If Murray ends up winning the QB job, he'll have QB1 upside in single-year fantasy leagues.

Mar 28, 2026 3:27 PM EST


Vikings Sign Kyler Murray to a One-Year Deal

The Minnesota Vikings have signed free agent quarterback Kyler Murray to a one-year deal, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com. The deal includes a clause that says Murray cannot be assigned a franchise tag or transition tag next offseason. He'll be paid $36.8 million in 2026, but the bulk of that will come from the Arizona Cardinals' payroll. Minnesota will only be on the hook for the league minimum amount. Murray, a former No. 1 overall pick, is coming off a disappointing seventh and final season in Arizona. Injuries limited him to just five starts last year, and he only produced 962 passing yards, six passing touchdowns, and three interceptions. He also had 173 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. It was a weird end to Murray's tenure with the Cardinals, as he was technically on IR with a season-ending injury but may have simply been benched for Jacoby Brissett. Regardless of the actual reason, the bottom line is that the Cardinals and Murray went their separate ways this offseason, leading the quarterback to sign with Minnesota. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell has repeatedly been praised for his ability to identify successful quarterback reclamation projects, but it's far from guaranteed that Murray will be able to bounce back. In fact, he's not even a lock to earn playing time. Incumbent starter and former first-round pick J.J. McCarthy will presumably compete with Murray in a wide-open position battle during training camp.

Mar 12, 2026 2:37 PM EST


Kyler Murray to Visit With Vikings on Thursday

Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) will visit with the Minnesota Vikings on Thursday, according to John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports. Minnesota is offering a starting spot as they look to challenge first-round QB J.J. McCarthy, and a deal with Murray could be finalized in the next 24 hours. However, Murray and his representatives are also expected to explore several options as a backup in 2026 for teams that could need a starting signal-caller in 2027. The Vikings are the 28-year-old Murray's best chance for a starting gig right away and to rehab his fantasy football value after he played in only five games in 2025 due to a foot sprain. Injuries have been an issue for the former No. 1 overall pick out of Oklahoma, but when healthy, he offers plenty of dual-threat abilities and would have a strong WR duo to work with in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. If Murray signs with the Vikings, he'll be one of the most obvious QB bounce-back candidates in the NFL.

Mar 11, 2026 5:01 PM EST


Kyler Murray Officially Released by the Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals officially released quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) at the start of the new league year on Wednesday, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert. Murray is "at or near the top" of the Minnesota Vikings' QB wish list this offseason as they look to pair a veteran to push young signal-caller J.J. McCarthy. Murray's fantasy football stock is way down after he missed the final 12 games of the 2025 season in Arizona due to a foot sprain he suffered in Week 5. The 28-year-old former first overall selection in 2019 out of Oklahoma wasn't in sync before his injury, either, throwing for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three picks in five games started. Despite his poor final season in Arizona, Murray will be attractive to teams looking for a cheap and experienced option at the position, as the Cardinals are paying the $38.8 million guarantees still owed to him. If Minnesota adds Murray and he wins the starting gig over McCarthy, he'd be a clear QB2 bounce-back candidate.

Mar 11, 2026 12:20 PM EST


Vikings, Kyler Murray Have "Mutual Interest"

Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (foot), who will officially be released at the start of the new league year on Wednesday, and the Minnesota Vikings have "mutual interest," according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Nothing appears imminent between the Vikings and Murray, and although the 28-year-old former first overall pick can also talk to other teams, the most likely landing spot for the dual-threat QB will be in Minnesota. If he were to land with the Vikings, Murray would probably be the favorite to start in 2026 over J.J. McCarthy, as long as he's fully recovered from the foot sprain that knocked him out for the final 12 games of last year. Murray's rushing ability alone puts him in the low-end QB1 conversation in fantasy, but in Minnesota, he'd definitely have the best chance of bouncing back with a strong WR duo in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. After drafting McCarthy in the first round in 2024, the Vikings are having second thoughts as to whether he's franchise QB material.

Mar 11, 2026 8:56 AM EST


Kyler Murray has Interest in the Colts

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer has heard that Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) has interest in the Indianapolis Colts as he looks for his next team. Breer adds that Murray's preference is probably to sign with the Minnesota Vikings, but all options are on the table right now, with the Cardinals expected to release him. As long as the Colts can retain Daniel Jones (Achilles) -- he received the transition tag -- the Colts wouldn't exactly make sense for Murray from a playing-time standpoint. The 28-year-old former first overall pick back in 2019 out of Oklahoma is one of the quickest QBs in the game, but injuries have been an issue, and he just hasn't been able to take the next step as a dual-threat signal-caller in the NFL. Before a season-ending foot strain in Week 5, Murray had 962 passing yards, six touchdowns, and three picks in 2025. Landing in Minnesota would be the best thing for Murray's fantasy value as he looks to rebound in 2026.

Mar 6, 2026 2:48 PM EST


Kyler Murray Expected to Sign With Vikings?

Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) is the top available option at the QB position this offseason. The New York Jets have discussed him as an option, but the "resounding belief" from multiple sources is that he will sign with the Minnesota Vikings this offseason, according to Connor Hughes of SNY. The 28-year-old former first overall pick in 2019 out of Oklahoma didn't play beyond Week 5 last year due to a foot sprain, and veteran Jacoby Brissett actually elevated the offense in Murray's absence. The Vikings are looking for a signal-caller to push J.J. McCarthy and perhaps even win a QB battle going into next season. Murray, the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2019, would be in position to rebound in a big way if he were to land in Minnesota, with head coach Kevin O'Connell and legitimate receiving threats in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Murray is going to be cheap on the open market and in fantasy drafts this fall, but he will make for an interesting QB2 flier with bounce-back potential if he signs with the Vikes.

Mar 6, 2026 10:40 AM EST


Kyler Murray Will be Released

The Arizona Cardinals informed quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) that they will release him, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Murray is due $36.8 million guaranteed for 2026 with offsets, meaning he will play the 2026 season for another team at the league minimum. The 28-year-old didn't play in 2025 beyond Week 5 due to a foot sprain, and the expectation was always that the Cardinals would move on from the former first overall pick in 2019 out of Oklahoma. The Cardinals would have had to give Murray another $19.5 million in guarantees if Murray were on the roster on March 15. The two-time Pro Bowler is one of the quickest QBs in the league when he takes off with the ball in his hands, but injuries and consistency have been issues. He's on the right side of 30, though, and in the right situation, we wouldn't be surprised if Murray bounces back as a QB1 in fantasy if he stays healthy.

Mar 3, 2026 11:22 AM EST


Kyler Murray "Repeatedly" Linked to Jets

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray's name has "surfaced repeatedly" in the New York Jets' offseason discussions, according to Connor Hughes of SNY. The Jets are reportedly keeping all options open when exploring a quarterback upgrade, but the idea of Murray heading to New York has gained plenty of traction. The veteran signal-caller and former No. 1 pick is in the middle of a five-year, $230.5 million contract with Arizona, but he's expected to be released this offseason. He had seven touchdowns and four turnovers through five games in his injury-shortened 2025 campaign, which was preceded by an ugly 15-turnover total in 2024. Despite injury and performance concerns, one source told Hughes that Murray offers athleticism and upside that the Jets won't find anywhere else. Specifically, that source said, "If the goal is basic competence, Murray can get you there." On the other hand, plenty of question marks persist. A different source reportedly told Hughes that signing Murray "would be a disaster" because of concerns about work ethic, leadership, and locker-room connectivity. We might not see any movement on the Murray front until the new league year begins later this month. However, once he's released by the Cardinals, we should at least keep an eye on the Jets as a potential suitor. The Minnesota Vikings, who might be looking to move on from J.J. McCarthy, have also been linked to Murray.

Mar 2, 2026 6:52 AM EST


Kyler Murray Likely to be Released

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) is "likely to be released" this offseason, barring a last-minute trade, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Murray would be guaranteed a roster bonus of $19.5 million for the 2027 season if he's on the team's active roster by March 16, so a decision one way or another will be coming soon. Although the Cardinals continue to say that all options are on the table for the 28-year-old former first overall pick in 2019, it's looking more likely that he won't return to the desert. Murray didn't play beyond Week 5 in 2025 due to a foot sprain, but his dual-threat abilities at the QB position will make him one of the more attractive free-agent options this offseason if he is indeed released. Murray threw for 962 yards, six touchdowns, and three interceptions in his five games last year before getting hurt, adding 173 rushing yards and one TD on the ground.

Mar 1, 2026 9:29 AM EST


Vikings Considering Kyler Murray, Geno Smith

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler hears that the Minnesota Vikings are considering Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (foot) and Las Vegas Raiders QB Geno Smith as they outline their plan for a veteran signal-caller this offseason. The Miami Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa and Atlanta Falcons' Kirk Cousins "are also on their radar." None of those four QBs are free agents, but Cousins will be soon, and the others are available via either a trade or, eventually, via free agency if they are released. The Vikings need a contingency plan for J.J. McCarthy, who couldn't stay healthy and struggled in his first full season as the starter in 2025. Many QBs view the Vikings as an attractive destination, so they shouldn't have too much trouble finding a veteran to pair with McCarthy for the upcoming season. Fowler thinks Smith going to Minnesota makes a lot of sense. He's due $18.5 million in guarantees in 2026, but has another $8 million that guarantees on the third day of the new league year.

Mar 1, 2026 6:17 AM EST